No One’s Left Out

Think of a group of people you know.

Children, adults, at school, at work, in the community, in a sports-club, in a youth group.

Is there anyone who’s an outsider? Wishing to belong but doesn’t quite fit in?

Perhaps they’re new to the group, or don’t speak the language, or are slower than the others, or are struggling for whichever reason, or are just a bit different.

This post is dedicated to them.

If you’ve ever felt ‘lonely in a room full of people’, you know the feeling.

I’ve been privileged to feel that feeling in person. I say privileged and I mean it. It has taught me the values of compassion, caring and reaching out. Thus, the disadvantage has become a cherished asset - that of awareness. It brought with it a shift in my perception of my role.

Years later, I now volunteer with a group of young children, and I look out for the ones who’re left out.

It doesn’t take much to ignite a sense of belonging and well-being.

A reassuring smile, a heartfelt “Hi (say their name)”, as well as simply staying beside the one who’s scared or beside the one who’s slow (so they’re not the last one), and explaining to the one who struggles in English - are a few examples of how small gestures of kindness can bring a lot of comfort.

I often see them transform. The smile of relief, the joy in their voice - it makes my day. And I know they’ll soon become part of the group. It’s just a question of time. The ice has already been broken.

It’s exactly the same with adults. Some of us belong to a close-knit group, and some of us would have loved to, but don’t.

To those who belong - reach out to someone you may have ignored. It will mean tons to them.

And to all the outsiders out there, I wish you to belong wherever it is your heart desires.

With that, I’ll wish you a wonderful weekend full of blessings,

Didi
Wise Choice Market

Image:
https://desktophdwallpaper.org/cute/lonely-teddy-bear